Electric multiple coin evaluator



Feb. 19, 1952 F. E. WALLlN ELECTRIC MULTIPLE COIN EVALUATOR 2SHEETS-SFEET 2 Filed Feb. 11, 1947 Patented Feb. 19, 1952 UNITED STATESPATENT OFFICE 2,586,129 ELECTRIC MULTIPLE COIN EVALUATOR Fred E. Wallin,St. Louis, Mo., assignor to National Slug Rejectors, Inc., St. Louis,Mo., a

corporation of Missouri Application February 11, 1947, Serial No.727,897

2 Claims.

1 This invention relates in general to coin controlled apparatus andmore particularly to an electric mechanical device for automaticallyproducing a predetermined number of electric impulses corresponding innumber to the value of a 2 ceive a coin of predetermined diameter anddenomination and for the purpose of simplification, it is assumed thatcoin chute I is adapted to receive a U. S. nickel, chute 2 adapted toreceive a U. S. dime, and chute 3 adapted to receive a coins ofdiiferent denominations deposited there- U. S. quarter. in. Devices ofthis general character are re- Three spring actuated normally opensingle quired and used in multiple coin operated vendpole switches 5 aresecured in spaced relation to ing machines, phonographs and the like.plate 4, each switch corresponding to each said In previous devices ithas long been a probcoin chute. Each said switch 5 is provided with lemto provide multiple coin responsive apparatus a magnetic operating arm 5having a right angle which would accurately and positively provide aprojection I extending through apertures 8 propredetermined number ofelectric impulses, with vided in the backplate 4 and through the coinsaid impulses of predetermined duration, correchutes, thus providing forthe free movement of sponding with the deposit of a plurality of coinsthe switch projections T in the path of each coin. of predetermineddiiierent denominations. Permanent magnets 9 are secured by one of theirThe construction of the apparatus in this inends to the back plate 4having their free ends vention together with its associated electricalcirpositioned in the path of movement of the switch cuitprovideacomprehensive solution to the proboperating arms 6. It is nowapparent that a lem which is adapted to economical manufacture gravitypropelled coin of proper diameter moving and dependable operation.through each of the chutes l, 2 and 3, will strike A principal object ofthe invention is the proprojection l of a corresponding arm 6 during itsVision of a plurality of coin actuated switches downward travel and movethe switch to its disfor initiating the operation of an electricimplaced position as shown by dotted lines in Fig. pulsing mechanism fordelivering a predeter- 1, thus closing the contacts in the switch 5.Since mined number of electric impulses of predeterthe arms 6 areconstructed of magnetic material, mined duration corresponding in numberto coins each magnet 9 will hold its corresponding arm 6 ofpredetermined denomination. in displaced position by virtue of themagnetic A further object of the invention is the proviattractiontherebetween. sion of a motor-driven switch control mecha- An electricmotor Ill preferably of the constant nism responsive to coin operatedswitches includspeed variety, having an integral speed reducer ing meansfor holding and restoring said coin H driven. thereby, is mounted to aframe 12 switches at predetermined time intervals. which frame issecured to the lower flange of Another object of the invention is theproviplate 4. Shaft 13 driven by speed reducer II is sion of a pluralityof coin actuated switches and provided at one end with a restoring camI4 and a motor-driven impulsing apparatus associated three switchoperating cams l5, l5 and IT, on its therewith including an electriccircuit whereby opposite end. A desirable rotational speed of each saidswitch when displaced by a coin of a shaft [3 has been found to beapproximately 4 predetermined denomination will be magneticallyrevolutions per minute. retained in displaced position and said motor- Arestoring bar I 8 is slidably retained for redriven apparatus willdeliver a predetermined ciprocation in plate 4 and frame l2 as shown.number of electric impulses to an accumulative The lower end of bar Itis provided with a clevis means in accordance with the predetermined I9which retains a pivotally mounted roller 20, valve of the coin depositedand whereby said which roller engages the working edg of cam 14. switchwill be restored by said motor-driven ap- M A spring Zl, secured at itsupper end by pin 22 paratus after the delivery of a predeterminedintegral with bar l8 and secured at its opposite number of electricimpulses to the said accumulaend to the lower flange of plate 4,normally urges tive means. the bar downward. Restoring pins 23, 24 and25,

These and other objects in one embodiment of te r l W a e in differentSpaced relathe invention are described and shown in the i w respect tothe displaced Positions of following specification and drawings inwhich: their corresponding switch arms 6. Motor cycling Fig. 1 is a sideelevation of the device with switch 25, coin transfer switch 21 andpulsing or wiring removed. commutator switch 28 are positioned inoperat- Fig. 2 is an end elevation of the device shown ins re ation withams 6 n p t v y Fig. 1. 55 by platform 29 integral with frame 12.

Fig. 3 is a schematic and diagrammatic show- The p pal f ure o the devce resides in ing of the device shown Fig. 1 connected to a conthe onerevolution movement of shaft l3 subseventional accumulating mechanism.quent to the deposit of each coin regardless of Referring to Figs. 1 and2, coin chutes I, 2 and denomination, the detailed operation of which 3are secured to plate 4 in parallel spaced relawill be hereinafterdescribed.

tion as shown. Each said chute is adapted to re- Referring to Fig. 3,the cams I4, l5, l6 and i1 are shown in their proper operating relationwith the restoring bar I8 and its roller 29 in normal rest position.Motor cycling switch 26 is normally open and comprises two blades 38 and3|. Coin transfer switch 21 is a single pole double throw switch havingblades 32, 33 and 34, and is normally positioned as shown. Pulsin switchrotation of shaft |3 will momentarily close the pulsing switch 28 toenergize magnet 49 through conductors 63 and 58, which action will movewheel 43 in an amount equivalent to the displacement of one tooth andclose switch 46, thus 28 is normally open and comprises two blades35 and35. The coin switches are normally open and are provided with two blades3138, 39-48, and 4 |-42. A well-known add-subtract accumulatingapparatus shown in dotted enclosure, consists of a toothed wheel 43 anda detent assembly 44, a switch pin 45 secured in said wheel, and anormally closed master switch 46 having two blades 41 and 48, operatedby pin 45.

An additive-electro-magnet 49, having two terminals 5i! and 5|, ispositioned to attract an armature pawl 52 against the restraining actionof a spring 53 positioned as shown. A subtractive electro-magnet 54,having external leads L3 and L4, is positioned to operate armature pawl55 against the restraining action of a spring 55 as shown.

A conductor 51 is connected to one side of source of electric power L|and runs to coin switch blades 31, 39 and 4|, and to blade 3| of themotor cycling switch 25. Conductor 58 is connected to the remaining sideof source of electric power L2 and connects to one terminal 59 of theelectric motor HI and to one terminal 50 of additive magnet 49. Aconductor 68 connects coin switch blades 38, 40 and 42, with the centerblade 33 of th coin transfer switch 21. A conductor 6| connects theremaining terminal 82 of the electric motor ID with the remaining blade38 of switch 26 and the blade 34 of switch 21. A conductor 63 connectsthe remaining terminal 5| of the electro-magnet 49 with blade 36 of thepulsing switch 28. A conductor 64 connects the remaining blade 32 ofswitch 21 to the remaining blade 35 of switch 28.

The blades 41 and 48 of the master switch 46, are connected to thedevice to be operated not shown. Likewise the leads L3 and L4of-subtractive magnet 54 run to a control circuit in the device to beoperated not shown.

In operation, the elements described are in their rest positions asshown, and when a coin of lowest denomination, a U. S. nickel, isdeposited in chute shown Fig. 1, it will descend by gravity and impingeupon projection 1 and move switch arm 5 to its lowermost position asshown in dotted lines, thus closing the switch which closure will bemaintained by virtue of the attraction of the magnet 9 with arm 6.Referring to Fig. 3, and under the assumption that the owermost switch 5is held in a closed position, a circuit will be established from Llthrough conductors 51, 60, and switch blades 33 and 34, switch 21,through conductor 6| to terminal 62 of the motor I0. The circuit iscompleted through the remaining terminal 59 of the motor l8 throughconductor 58 to the other side of the source of power L2, which willstart the rotation of the motor and shaft |3 in the direction shown byarrows. The first few degrees of rotation of shaft l3 and the cams |4,|5, H5 and I1, will first simultaneously close cycling switch 26 andshift the position of blade 33 of switch 21 from blade 34 to blade 32.Thus the circuit'tothe motor is maintained through conductor 51 insteadof conductor 80. Since blade 33 of switch 21 is now in contact withblade 32, a partial .circuit through the transfer switch 21 is nowesestablishing one cycle of operation in the device to be operated notshown. By this time cam M will have rotated to a position where aportion of its periphery is adjacent to the roller 28 which will havemoved bar |8 upward to a position where pin 23 will engage arm 6 ofswitch 5 better shown Fig. 1. Slightly further movement of bar |8 willbreak the magnetic attraction between the magnet 9 and the switch arm 6and restore switch 5 to its normal open position and simultaneously openthe circuit through electro-magnet 49. Thus it is apparent that themomentary electric pulse received by magnet 49 will attract the armature52 against the restraining action of detent assembly 44 which willadvance the toothed wheel 43 a distance equivalent to the pitch of onetooth and simultaneously this first movement of wheel 43 will closeswitch 46 and energize a circuit to the device to be operated now shown,through blades 41 and 48. The shaft l3 will continue its rotation forone revolution when it will be automatically stopped by the action ofcam I5 opening the switch 26. Hence it is apparent that a predeterminedvalue of one impulse for the coin of lowest denomination has beenapplied to the accumulating device through the action of electro-magnet49. It is also apparent that the deposit of subsequent coins of thelowest denomination value will repeat the above described operation andcontinue the rotation of wheel 43 one tooth for every coin deposited.

When a coin of medium denomination, a U. S. dime, is deposited, itsdescent through coin chute 2 will operate a corresponding switch 5 thesame as previously described. The motor will again be started by virtueof a temporary circuit established through blades 33 and 34 of switch21, which rotation will be continued as a result of the closing ofswitch 25. However, because of the difierent placement of pin 24 ascompared to the pin 23, in bar l8, the rotation of cam M will not openthe circuit established through blades 39 and 48 until the portion b ofthe cam has reached roller 29, during which time pulsing switch 28 hasclosed and opened two times. Thus the magnet 49 will receive two pulsesbefore pin 24 dislodges arm 6 of the switch 39 from the magnet 9, whichopens the circuit through the switch 28 and the electro-magnet 49. Whena coin of largest denomination, such as a U. S. quarter, is deposited inchute 3, the operation is the same as previously described except that acircuit through coin switch blades 31 and 38 remains for a periodsufficiently long to permit pulsing switch 28 to close and open fivetimes. Immediately following the fifth opening of the switch 28, portionc of cam I4 will have rotated to coincide with the roller 28 thusraising the bar l8 and its furthermost positioned pin 25 to dislodge arm5 from magnet 9 to open the circuit through blades 31 and 38. Thus thewheel 43 will advance five teeth after the deposit of a coin of largestdenomination.

It is now apparent that the deposit of coins of different denominationwill advance the wheel 43 inexact proportion to the predetermined valueof the coins as determined by the relative posiin said frame forming ation of pins 23, 24 and 25 in bar I 8 and the predetermined number ofprojections applied to cam I! for operating the pulsing switch 28.

When a device of this character is used in connection with a vending orlike machine, the circuit controlled by switch 46 is used to cycle theoperation of the machine, and upon the completion of each said cyclings,the subtractive magnet 54 is momentarily energized which subtracts oneunit of value during or after deli-very by the machine.

In some applications, the subtractive cycle is applied to the wheel 43by a direct mechanical movement applied to the pawl 55 as illustrated byarrow, thus dispensing with magnet 54.

Since it is well known that coin operated machines previous to thisinvention are often fraudulently operated by linear shock and vibration,it is to be noted that fraudulent operation is substantially impossiblewith the construction previously described, for the reason that allmovable electrical components are low mass switch blades not subject tomovement by vibration, and that fraudulent operation is only possible bythe rotation of shaft [3, which rotation obviously cannot be affected bylinear shock. The opposing armatures 52 and 55 in the add-subtract unitwill not impart motion to wheel 43 even though moved through shock,particularly because of the restraining action of the detent assembly44.

Having described my invention, I claim:

1. In a multiple coin evaluator a frame, means plurality of independentcoin passageways, each of said passageways adapted to conduct coins ofpredetermined different denominations in separate paths respectively, alike plurality of self-restoring electric coin switches positioned onsaid frame, each of said switches having its operating arm positioned inits corresponding passageway and adapted to be displaced by each coindescending therein, a like plurality of holding means in said frame,each of said holding means positioned in the path of movement of eachsaid arm respectively for temporarily holding each said arm in displacedposition and holding each said switch in its operated position, a shaftjournalled for rotation in said frame, electric motor means in saidframe for rotating said shaft when said motor is energized, coin switchrestoring means movably positioned in said frame, a plurality of spacedabutments in fixed relation on one portion of said restoring means,another portion of said restoring means positioned and arranged for onemovement by One revolution of said shaft, means actuated by the shaftfor operating said restoring means in predetermined timed relationtherewith, each of said abutments corresponding to and positioned tosequentially release in predetermined sequence each said coin switch armfrom its corresponding holding means when said restoring means isoperated, a normally open motor holding switch means on said frameoperatively related to said shaft and adapted to close through apredetermined angle of each revolution of said shaft, an electriccommutator means positioned on said frame, means actuated by said shaftfor operating said commutator means to produce a predetermined number ofmake-and-break operations when said shaft is rotated one revolution, anelectric pulsing circuit connected to and for operating an electricpulse responsive means, said commutator means connected in said pulsingcircuit, a circuit transfer switch means on said frame adapted foroperation by said shaft through a,

predetermined angle of each revolution thereof for initially energizingsaid motor means and subsequently energizing said pulsing circuit, asource of electric energy, circuit means connecting said source ofenergy with said coin switches, said motor means, said pulsing circuit,said holding switch means, said pulse responsive means and said transferswitch, whereby the descent of each of said coins of predetermineddifferent denominations in their respective passageways will operate asaid corresponding coin switch and energize said circuit means andoperate said evaluator to transmit a predetermined different number ofelectric pulses corresponding with each said coin of differentdenomination through said pulse responsive means dependent upon therelative movement of each said abutment with respect to itscorresponding said switch arm.

2. In a coin evaluator of the character described means forming a frame,a shaft journalled for rotation in said frame, a plurality of normallyopen coin switches in said frame, a like plurality of coin switchholding means in said frame for independently holding each said switchin closed position when coin operated, each of said coin switchesresponsive to a coin of different denomination, an electric commutatormeans positioned on said frame, means actuated by said shaft foroperating said commutator means to produce a predetermined number ofmake-and-break operations by said shaft when said shaft is rotated onerevolution, a circuit switch means on said frame adapted to be operatedby said shaft through a predetermined angle of each revolution of saidshaft for energizing and deenergizing said commutator means, coin switchrestoring means movably positioned in said frame, means actuated by saidshaft during one revolution thereof for operating said restoring means,a portion of said restoring means arranged and adapted to sequentiallyrelease each of said coin switches from its respective holding means inpredetermined timed relation when said shaft is rotated one revolution,electric circuit means connecting said coin switches, said commutatormeans, said circuit switch means whereby the operation of each of saidcoin switches by coin of corresponding denomination and the rotation ofsaid shaft one revolution will make and break the portion of saidcircuit means connected to said commutator a predetermined number oftimes corresponding with each of said coins of different denomination.

FRED E. WALLIN.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file ofthis patent:

